Gila Chaya means ‘joy and life’ which is at the heart of my music.
Gila’s vocals blend the sweet, nostalgic romance of traditional jazz with the vitality of world music and Latin rhythms.Photo by: Justyna Pezik
Listen to
The Recordings
Gabriel's Message
Circle Game
Dienda
Henematov
Ladino Song
Alfonsina Y El Mar
About the Artist
Gila Chaya is a jazz vocalist and composer based in London and born in South Africa of Polish roots. She has been singing and playing the piano for as long as she can remember. Gila studied classical piano for 6 years and latin jazz vocals and composition at Goldsmiths College in London.
Gila Chaya has performed with distinguished jazz artists in venues across London and Rome, including The Vortex, Cafe Posk, The Forge, Archduke, and Lupigiada in Rome’s District of Monti.
Her unique style is inspired by the rich tapestry of latin and world jazz — from legendary matriarchs: Mercedes Sosa, Violeta Parra and Elis Regina, to the vibrant voices of Nà Ozzetti, Mônica Salmaso, Noa Nini and the soulful bass of Avishai Cohen.
Gila has recorded with artists as part of the Vortex Ascent music collective, with her single “Basho in three”, recognised as N#1 of all time in the Somojo Radio Jazz Charts.

Discography
Albums:
Vortex Ascent – Shine A Light (2013)
Vortex Ascent – Dancing through the Needle’s Eye (2013)
Singles:
Walk in the Park – Gila Chaya/ Derek Schuurman
Gabriel’s Message – Gila Chaya/ John Crawford Quartet
My Favourite Things – Gila Chaya/ John Crawford
Education Outreach
University of Cape Town: Bachelor of Arts Degree: English Literature and Philosophy (1997)
Goldsmiths University of London: Certificate in Music (Merit) (2013)
City Lit: Jazz Singing with Carol Grimes ( 2008 -2011)
My real joy came from teaching the kids of CEN8 for five years. CEN8Kids is an outreach programme at Goldsmith’s University, London which provides creative and performance activities designed to stimulate the imaginative thinking of young children.
Testimonial:
“Volunteering for us over many years, Gila is a wonderful and inspiring teacher whose singing sessions brought joy to the participants of CEN8’s junior performance clubs, CEN8Kids and Studio8. Liked and admired in equal measure by her both colleagues and students, Gila’s work with the children and young people not only helped them become the best singers that they could but also inspired a love of music and a confidence in them that went far beyond their singing abilities.”


Upcoming Shows at Le Quecum Bar
Thu, Dec 10, 2020
Arrivals before 8pm – FREE – £6 per person from 8pm
Entry Requirements: 18+
OPENING HOURS 5pm – 10pm
MUSIC 7pm – 9.45pm
Sat, Jan 9, 2021
Arrivals before 8pm – FREE – £6 per person from 8pm
Entry Requirements: 18+
OPENING HOURS 5pm – 10pm
MUSIC 7pm – 9.45pm
Sat, Feb 20, 2021
Arrivals before 8pm – FREE – £6 per person from 8pm
Entry Requirements: 18+
OPENING HOURS 5pm – 10pm
MUSIC 7pm – 9.45pm
Sat, Mar 13, 2021
Arrivals before 8pm – FREE – £6 per person from 8pm
Entry Requirements: 18+
OPENING HOURS 5pm – 10pm
MUSIC 7pm – 9.45pm
Highlights
Lupiguada – Rome 2020
Duo with Piano Player Edoardo Lupo
Cafe Posk – London – 2016
Janet’s Jazz with Terence Collie Trio
Cafe Posk – London – 2014
Southbank Centre – London 2012
Bernstein’s Mass at the Royal Festival Hall, directed by Marin Alsop.
Carmina Burana at Royal Festival Hall, conducted by Howard Moody.
2012
Sep 29, 2012. The Forge, London, UK
2013
Jan 27, 2013. Baltic, London, WSM
May 19, 2013 Baltic, London, WSM
2014
Jun 14, 2014. Polish Jazz Cafe POSK, London, UK
2016
Feb 19, 2016. Polish Jazz Cafe POSK, London, UK
2019
Dec 7, 2019 Residenza Maritti, Rome, IT
2020
Feb 1, 2020 Residenza Maritti, Rome, IT
In The Press
“Basho in Three – N#1 of all time in the Somojo Radio Jazz Charts”
Somojo Radio
“Another highlight is “Basho in Three,” which sports an Enya-esque layered vocal”
Dan MacIntosh – Indiemusic.com
“N#1 in the jazz charts with ‘Basho in three’!”
Somojo Web Radio